THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, while in captivity after being abducted by terrorists.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, and expressed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) deep sorrow over the tragic loss.

Uba said the military withheld public comments on the retired general’s abduction to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue efforts mounted by the armed forces and other security agencies.

He said every available operational resources was deployed in the bid to secure the safe release of the former military spokesman before his death.

“The DHQ regrets to announce the passing of retired Maj.Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction,” he said.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late senior officer, his associates and Nigerians at large over the painful loss,” he said .

He described Abubakar as a distinguished officer who served the nation with honour and professionalism in several strategic appointments during his military career.

“The deceased served as spokesman for various military formations and later as Director of Defence Information, where he played a significant role in projecting the activities and operations of the military.

“He also made notable contributions to counter-insurgency operations, the professional development of military personnel and other national security initiatives.

“His commitment to duty and the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

Uba said that the unfortunate incident had further strengthened the resolve of the military to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security.

He added that ongoing operations across the country had already been reinforced in response to the growing wave of abductions and violent attacks, including the incident involving the retired general.

“The DHQ reiterates its determination to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and security across the country.

“The military remains committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting citizens and ensuring that those responsible for acts of terrorism are brought to justice.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account,” he said. (NAN)

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has dismissed as ‘false and misleading’ media reports which claimed that a court ordered his arrest in connection with the allegation of certificate forgery.

Nnaji said that the publication was part of a sustained media campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Nnaji maintained that he is neither in hiding nor under investigation by any law enforcement agency, insisting that neither he nor his legal team has received any invitation, summons, warrant, or correspondence from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The statement accused the Premium Times of attempting to subject the former minister to a “media trial” amid growing political interests surrounding his future aspirations.

It reads: “Statement on the Latest Premium Times Publication Concerning Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji

“Our attention has been drawn to yet another PREMIUM TIMES publication alleging that a court has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji.

“We wish to state unequivocally that Chief Nnaji is not in hiding and has never evaded any law enforcement agency.

“As a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his residence in Asokoro, Abuja, where he has lived for nearly two decades, is well known to public authorities. His residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, has likewise been publicly known since 1990. It is this long-standing visibility, accessibility, and connection to the people that earned him the name “Nwakaibie.”

“We further wish to make it abundantly clear that neither Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji nor his legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has received any invitation, summons, warrant, or correspondence whatsoever from the ICPC. No such process has been served at his Abuja or Enugu residences, both of which have been publicly known for decades.

“It is equally important to remind the public that Chief Nnaji is already before the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025 a case he personally filed to clear his name and obtain a judicial determination of issues relating to his academic records. Central to that case is his request for the release of his official academic transcript, a document every graduate is ordinarily entitled to obtain from his or her university. “

The statement further said that contrary to the narrative being promoted by the media, Chief Nnaji was not dragged before the courts, explaining that the former minister “voluntarily approached the judiciary as the Applicant/Plaintiff, seeking the preservation and release of his transcript and relevant records.“

“That matter remains pending before the court and has not been judicially determined,” it added, claiming that “the latest report must also be viewed within the context of a prolonged and extraordinary media focus on Chief Nnaji.”

The statement pointed out that when the media previously contacted Chief Nnaji’s representatives regarding an alleged ICPC “manhunt,” a response was promptly provided denying the claim and requesting supporting evidence.

“Chief Nnaji remains committed to due process, transparency, and the rule of law. He remains confident that facts, not sensational headlines will ultimately prevail. As our people say, “Ezi Okwu Ga-Apụta Ije” the truth will always come to light,” the statement further said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) have provided insights into the circumstances surrounding the death of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Speaking at the public presentation of three books in honor of Abubakar’s 84th birthday, Obasanjo disclosed that Abubakar was actively working to secure Abiola’s release prior to his sudden death in detention.

“Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released, and you kept me regularly informed, and also related messages to the family. Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead,’” Obasanjo recounted.

Obasanjo described Abubakar as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker.”

He acknowledged Abubakar’s role in stabilizing the nation after the death of Gen. Sani Abacha in June 1998, highlighting how he managed the ensuing political crisis surrounding Abiola’s continued detention.

“You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation,” Obasanjo stated, praising Abubakar for facilitating Nigeria’s swift return to democratic governance.

In a related account, Abdulsalami Abubakar dismissed claims that MKO Abiola was poisoned, emphasizing that an autopsy conducted by pathologists from four countries attributed his death to natural causes.

“I do not believe Abiola was poisoned. The family requested an autopsy and we assembled American, British, Nigerian, and Canadian pathologists to conduct it. The autopsy report attributed his death to natural causes,” Abubakar stated in his autobiography, ‘Call of Duty.’

He elaborated on how Abiola collapsed during a meeting with a visiting American delegation on July 7, 1998, revealing that Abiola had been managing pre-existing medical conditions, including hypertension and a heart ailment.

Abubakar recounted the moments leading up to Abiola’s death, where he described Abiola’s distress during a meeting with U.S. officials.

“A doctor arrived within 10 minutes and called for immediate hospital attention. We all helped to put him in a car, but unfortunately, at the end of their efforts, it was not possible, and he died,” he recalled.

Abubakar emphasized that allowing the American delegation to see Abiola was crucial in avoiding speculation about a cover-up regarding his death.

As both former leaders reflected on the legacy of MKO Abiola, they underscored the significance of his struggle for democracy in Nigeria, with Obasanjo attributing Abubakar’s leadership to the country’s eventual transition to civilian rule on May 29, 1999.